Where the Clues Lead
Part 3- Path from Blue Creek; Late Morning
Lou would never be as close to Rachel as she had been with Emma, but this trip had brought the two women closer. Lou had remained quiet the whole way up to and now most of the way back from Blue Creek. Rachel hadn't even tried to pry, and Lou had appreciated it. She knew she now had a confident in someone in whom she could trust.
"I know I haven't said much till now, but I'm ready to listen when you're ready to talk," Rachel said placing a comforting hand on Lou's arm. "I remember feelin' the way you are. Scared, uncertain, worried, happy..." Lou looked up and smiled. "But just remember, you're not alone in this. Kid loves you more than anything."
"I know. I just wonder how he'll react. Maybe I shouldn't tell him?"
"I think he might find out. But if that's your decision, then you have to live with it."
"Things are gonna be different. I mean they have been, but now... And if Teaspoon finds out..."
"Lou, they don't have to be any different, and Teaspoon's not going to fire you. And The Kid loves you, so stop worrying."
"I know and I love him, but this... I mean..."
"I know, but I promised you it would be okay didn't I?" Lou nodded. "When we get back you and Kid can have a long talk. Work things out. Tell him how you're feelin.'"
"How do you think he'll react? Think he'll be angry?"
Rachel pulled the wagon to a stop, and looked at the young, frightened rider. "No matter what Lou, Kid loves you. You just need to remember that." Lou nodded but was still uncertain. "It won't be too much longer now."
"He'll probably be out by the barn. I'll be surprised if all the stalls haven't been emptied, cleaned, and given fresh hay." Lou laughed nervously. "He probably even replaced the barn door instead of oilin' the hinges."
"Well when he's got somthin' on his mind, chores sure do get done a lot faster. If you don't want to face him yet, I can drop you off in town."
Lou shook her head. "The sooner I get this over, the better. Actually, could ya drop me off at the water hole? And send Kid on after awhile?" Rachel smiled, nodded and started up the wagon again.
Kid saw the wagon as soon as Rachel rounded the trees. He ran towards it. "Rachel, where's Lou? Is she ok? I've been so worried."
Rachel pulled to a stop and smiled. "She's fine, just needs some time to herself. Go tell the boys you all need to help me unload these supplies. After that, then you can go see her."
"But Rach..." Kid started.
"Don't but Rachel me, do it!"
Kid headed towards the bunkhouse. When he entered, Cody was laying on his bunk reading, Ike was writing on his pad of paper, and Noah was napping. Jimmy and Buck were out on a run. By now, Teaspoon was the only one who didn't know what everyone else suspected.
*Well?*
"Rachel wants us to help unload the wagon. Lou wasn't with her."
Ike started signing fast like he often did when he was excited, or agitated. Without Buck there to translate, Kid could only make out a few words.
"I don't know about the baby Ike, slow down. Rachel just said Lou needed some time to herself and that I could go see her when the wagon was unloaded."
By this time Cody and Noah were up and about. Noah was headed out the door followed by Ike. Cody looked at Kid "Go on. You've been bustin' a gut wantin' to see her since you rode in. We'll take care of Rachel."
Kid didn't need to be told twice. "Thanks Cody, I'm pretty sure I know where she is."
"Just remember Billy's a fine name if it's a boy!" Cody called as Kid headed towards the barn.
When he got to Katy, he didn't even bother with the saddle, just grabbed the bridle and rode off. He could hear Rachel yelling at him to come back.
"That boy is more stubborn than a mule." She said to the others as they unloaded the wagon.
"He's just waitin' for the news. We all are." Noah said.
"What news are you boys talkin' about?" Rachel didn't need anyone to interpret for Ike, the sign was unmistakable. She had hoped Kid would hear about it from Lou, but knew better. The boys could figure anything out once they put their mind to it, and breakfast that morning had given them the biggest piece of the puzzle they needed.
"A baby? Did you boys tell Kid your crazy idea?" The boys, knowing they were about to be reprimanded for not minding their business, just nodded. "Didn't think that it might be Lou's business to tell him did you?"
"Well?" Cody asked, sitting on the back of the wagon board. "Are you gonna tell us or not?"
Rachel shook her head. "That's somethin' between the two of them right now. If there is a baby, you'll all know soon enough."